Hey everyone, well I have finally put my 45 on ebay tonight and so hopefully soon I will be able to look for a new car. I want a convertible but not sure what to do. I like the TF's and being an MG/Rover fan it appeals to me but my friend who has an MR2 says to get an MX5 or MR2 as the MG's are bad. Are they really that bad? obviously there is the H/G to look out for but anything else? Also what security measures are people using for their Soft tops? I worry as I park on the street. Are hard tops any safer, as in do they secure from the inside rather than outside? So many questions. Sorry guys.
MiniHarry
Well you know the MG-Rover brand more than most, so that's a start 
The MR2 is a great drivers car, with handling on a par to the TF, and I wouldn't have hesitated to have one. In contest with the TF though, I found that I like the looks of the TF more than both the MX5 or MR2, and also found the MR2 to be far less practical as a daily drive. I haven't driven an MX5, so can't comment there, but having enjoyed the exclusivity of the TF I would hate to fade into the background as "yet another Mazda" owner!
The bad reputation stems largely from head gasket issues, which you're aware of as a Rover owner. As long as you are prepared for it and know what measures to take to prevent it then you're off to a flying start. Picking up an example that has been well-cared for and maintained is a must.
If someone really wants into your TF then a softop or hardtop makes no difference - they'll get in by breaking a window if required. Higher spec cars have a volumetric alarm which can detect intrusion into the passenger cabin, but lower spec versions (e.g. our 115) lack this feature.
Our cars might be an easy target for slating, but I don't think there's a person out there who wouldn't have a grin on their face after driving one, especially after realising how little money is required to get hold of a great example. I'm convinced there is a degree of bitterness from those who desperately pay top whack to label themselves as "urban" and join the MPV/4x4/Germanic/crossover depreciation conveyor belt, only for us to turn up, smug and self-satisfied, in our dated, dead branded, cheap, unreliable, roofless, beautiful machines.
The MR2 is a great drivers car, with handling on a par to the TF, and I wouldn't have hesitated to have one. In contest with the TF though, I found that I like the looks of the TF more than both the MX5 or MR2, and also found the MR2 to be far less practical as a daily drive. I haven't driven an MX5, so can't comment there, but having enjoyed the exclusivity of the TF I would hate to fade into the background as "yet another Mazda" owner!
The bad reputation stems largely from head gasket issues, which you're aware of as a Rover owner. As long as you are prepared for it and know what measures to take to prevent it then you're off to a flying start. Picking up an example that has been well-cared for and maintained is a must.
If someone really wants into your TF then a softop or hardtop makes no difference - they'll get in by breaking a window if required. Higher spec cars have a volumetric alarm which can detect intrusion into the passenger cabin, but lower spec versions (e.g. our 115) lack this feature.
Our cars might be an easy target for slating, but I don't think there's a person out there who wouldn't have a grin on their face after driving one, especially after realising how little money is required to get hold of a great example. I'm convinced there is a degree of bitterness from those who desperately pay top whack to label themselves as "urban" and join the MPV/4x4/Germanic/crossover depreciation conveyor belt, only for us to turn up, smug and self-satisfied, in our dated, dead branded, cheap, unreliable, roofless, beautiful machines.
The TF is no more prone to HGF than any other car that has been neglected in terms of normal checks ie: oil/water, anyone that kids them self into thinking "i drive a MR2 or MX5 so it'll never happen" is seriously disillusioned.
Ive owned a number of cars for years that have the K series and with regular checking ive never had a problem (touching wood of course).
Jap reliability is a nice comfort blanket - providing you get it, the TF is a much more handsome beast, with a better choice of responsive engines no matter which one you choose. Plus, and this is the MGR comfort blanket - the .org community is second to none for help, advice and blatant kind hearted people.
Do yourself proud mate, get a TF and enjoy the fun...
As Jamie said, a hardtop will not secure your car anymore than a soft top if some scrote really wants in!
The hardtop is secured from the inside and the best difference i can notice is that its slightly warmer and quieter than the soft top, but with a great heater the warmth isnt really an issue.
Good luck with the sale mate!
Ive owned a number of cars for years that have the K series and with regular checking ive never had a problem (touching wood of course).
Jap reliability is a nice comfort blanket - providing you get it, the TF is a much more handsome beast, with a better choice of responsive engines no matter which one you choose. Plus, and this is the MGR comfort blanket - the .org community is second to none for help, advice and blatant kind hearted people.
Do yourself proud mate, get a TF and enjoy the fun...
As Jamie said, a hardtop will not secure your car anymore than a soft top if some scrote really wants in!
The hardtop is secured from the inside and the best difference i can notice is that its slightly warmer and quieter than the soft top, but with a great heater the warmth isnt really an issue.
Good luck with the sale mate!
Hi. I am properly going to get rubbished for this but here goes. I wouldn’t buy another one. And that’s my bench mark. The car has too many issues. If you are willing to pay for repairs, and they could come thick and fast. Then no problem. D.I.Y. another matter, access to all components is a disaster. I have lived with mine for almost two years now and have never had a car that needs so much TLC. Driving it with the top down is fab (but don’t go to fast as it feels light and lively). But it’s an MG
As I type this I am considering paying to have the leaking water pump replaced. IMO go for conventional, Mazda, engine at the front, gear box in the middle, prop shaft driving a back axle. Easy with lots of scope to mod.
As for security, that’s simple. Don’t leave anything on view.
As I type this I am considering paying to have the leaking water pump replaced. IMO go for conventional, Mazda, engine at the front, gear box in the middle, prop shaft driving a back axle. Easy with lots of scope to mod.
As for security, that’s simple. Don’t leave anything on view.
I guess it doesn't help that I wont have much more than my 45 sells for, which will probably be around the £1300 mark, if I add my computer thats for sale that would make around £1800, I know I will have to be very careful with cars that price, but MX5's and MR2's seem a lot more expensive for what you get. I see your point on the engine being hidden though, guess it makes it very hard to work on? I really am new to it all but thank you all so much for your help so far. the TF does sound good to me, I love the look of them and this forum is so helpful its unreal! I know what to look for K series wise which is a bonus as you have said.
4 MGF's.:broon: had head gaskets go on a lot of cars over the years, but, not had one go on any of the F's and they are all high milage and I do mean 100,000+, filly is around 135.000 and thats miles not kilometers.
A hardtop can jack up your insurance premium as they get pinched.
Yes they are every day drivers, We do around 50,000 miles a year between us, Fi does between 600 and 900 miles a week, 7 days a week and goes everywhere at around errrm 70 and a bit.:dunno:
Never had any major problems.
A hardtop can jack up your insurance premium as they get pinched.
Yes they are every day drivers, We do around 50,000 miles a year between us, Fi does between 600 and 900 miles a week, 7 days a week and goes everywhere at around errrm 70 and a bit.:dunno:
Never had any major problems.
What are the main differences between the f and tf? again stupidly simple questions that I dont know the answer to I will have a look at what they have, driving them would be the best answer I guess.
Excited about the thought of owning one, done my insurance checks and I can get insured for the same as my 45.
I will have a look at what they have, driving them would be the best answer I guess. Excited about the thought of owning one, done my insurance checks and I can get insured for the same as my 45.
Ahh ok so access to the engine is possible easily enough. it's all sounding very promising for the MG for me I like the sound of the TF at the moment. Found this on MGFnTFBITZ and they are only 35 miles from me so spares shouldn't be a problem! anyway this one... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-TF-SIL...MILES-FULL-MOT-/260960725881?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cc278ab79#ht_775wt_983
Looks pretty good to me! never thought id find myself wanting a convertible, I have always liked the idea of a nice big car as I have a classic mini at home and that has no room at all! but i have probably used the 45's rear seats twice since owning it. I am currently at uni and thought I'd need a big car for transporting people/stuff but just dont need it.
I like the sound of the TF at the moment. Found this on MGFnTFBITZ and they are only 35 miles from me so spares shouldn't be a problem! anyway this one... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-TF-SIL...MILES-FULL-MOT-/260960725881?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item3cc278ab79#ht_775wt_983Looks pretty good to me! never thought id find myself wanting a convertible, I have always liked the idea of a nice big car as I have a classic mini at home and that has no room at all! but i have probably used the 45's rear seats twice since owning it. I am currently at uni and thought I'd need a big car for transporting people/stuff but just dont need it.
Having driven that car i must say it's very nice, it's even got the black leather and blue alacantra interior which i want for mine
If you buy it and want full black leather interior then give us a shout and I'll swap you
haha I will keep that in mind. I will see what time I finish tomorrow at uni and might go for a drive over there to see what they are like.
Don't think I have been excited about car buying in a long time!
Just worried about soft top on our dodgy street but It is lit well with houses either side so hopefully would be fine!
Don't think I have been excited about car buying in a long time!
Just worried about soft top on our dodgy street but It is lit well with houses either side so hopefully would be fine!
MiniHarry, The F/TF has a large removable panel underneath the rear of the hood which allows good access to the engine etc.. If you check whichever car you look at, by now it should have had the head gasket failure all behind it, and with the money you potentially have you will be able to afford a really nice example. Yes the future of any car is a gamble, but look after it and do the normal checks, Oil, Coolant, Tyres (Particularly pressures). After a few miles of getting to know it, because a front wheel drive euroshed it most certainly is not, but once you know what your doing - Man you will have the biggest smile on your face, and your heart will soar at the sound of that exhaust particularly with the roof down. While you drive past all the mx-5's and mr2's who wont have anywhere near the same experience as you. Security wize, all cars are at risk, just gotta reduce the chances, park your car in well lit area's. Mine was broken into with the hardtop on - In fact the B******tds stole the Hardtop and thats all they had and that was from my drive. I now have a Floodlight with a sensor, shortened hedge so that anyone walks onto my drive are on clear view of all my neighbours and the light wakes my dog up and she barks bigstyle. The cops reckoned that they were pro's they disconnected the battery and took out the door lock, removed the hardtop and very kindly put the soft top and clipped it into place. It was three days before I realised what had gone missing...Doh...
You will also have a shock at just what you can get in one of these cars.
For the silverstone camping weekend two years ago there was me and the missus and Hector our dog, (a big dog) plus :-
2 tents
2 sleeping bags
1 double airbed
2 pillows
1 gas BBQ and no not a hotplate, standing 2 ft high
1 gas bottle
pans, plates, cutlery, trays for cooking on, pans and utensils, cups and glasses.
Wine, beer and soft drinks
bags of sausages and chicken drumsticks
coffee milk and sugar
change of clothes for us both, rigger boots each just in case
Washing stuff, plus a bowl and towels etc
food and water bowls for Hector
dog food both dry and tinned for Hector
For the silverstone camping weekend two years ago there was me and the missus and Hector our dog, (a big dog) plus :-
2 tents
2 sleeping bags
1 double airbed
2 pillows
1 gas BBQ and no not a hotplate, standing 2 ft high
1 gas bottle
pans, plates, cutlery, trays for cooking on, pans and utensils, cups and glasses.
Wine, beer and soft drinks
bags of sausages and chicken drumsticks
coffee milk and sugar
change of clothes for us both, rigger boots each just in case
Washing stuff, plus a bowl and towels etc
food and water bowls for Hector
dog food both dry and tinned for Hector
just lookat the photos on the frl run
http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=459257
then ask yourself is there any other car too own or any forum greater than this then you will have made up your own mind
i have 2x mgf's and i am certinatly not a mechanic but do most of the work on these myself with the help of some well written how too's on here
good luck with your search and hope to see pictures soon
cheers
joe
http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=459257
then ask yourself is there any other car too own or any forum greater than this then you will have made up your own mind
i have 2x mgf's and i am certinatly not a mechanic but do most of the work on these myself with the help of some well written how too's on here
good luck with your search and hope to see pictures soon
cheers
joe
Well today I went to Mgfandtfbitz and had a look at the cars, Jill was extremely helpful and showed me all the bits to look out for and what the differences are between models. I drove an F and a TF and loved both but think the TF is for me! Lovely lovely car and it felt fantastic!
Now to sell mine and get on with it.
James your reply was amazing! so helpful and informative. Thank you
Now to sell mine and get on with it.
James your reply was amazing! so helpful and informative. Thank you
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